Special NeedsMedically-Compromised & Physically Challenged Patients

Many patients with special needs such as Autism and developmental delay require special care. They may be more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease or oral trauma. Due to their medical diagnosis or behavior therapy they may require medication or a diet that is detrimental to their dental health.

The dentists of Distinctive Dental Services of New York, P.C. are well trained and experienced in caring for patients with special needs. Each dentist has received comprehensive education in behavior management, sedation and anesthesia techniques. After examination, our dentists will discuss technique options for your family member's or your child's own unique health and treatment needs.

How can our practice meet your child's or other family member's special needs?

Our pediatric and general dentists work closely with the other health care providers who are caring for your child's or other family member's special health needs. They will consult with you regarding any special health concerns or medications that the patient may be taking. They will also consult with the primary care physician and or specialists to ensure each concern is addressed. Our office is wheelchair accessible for patients who are physically challenged. Our treatment rooms are sized to accommodate our patients' wheelchairs, enabling treatment and X-rays without having to transfer to the dental chair.

Dr. Mary George, and Dr. Gina Sajnani, our board-certified pediatric dental specialists, will give your child a thorough dental examination in order to determine your child's specific dental needs. Parental involvement is important in this process. A child may feel more relaxed if he or she sees mom and dad in the room while he or she is getting their dental examination. If the child is young enough they may sit on mom or dad's lap with their head resting on mom or dad's shoulder. If the child is too big to sit on your lap, it is helpful if you hold their hands to help them reduce anxiety. Your child may require X-rays. Sometimes your child may be unable to cooperate on his or her own. It may be necessary for you to stay in the treatment room and assist the doctor in taking your child's X-rays.

Dr. Derek Zimbardi and Dr. Cristina David look forward to providing dentistry for adult patients with special needs. The course of treatment is determined after assessing each individual patient's medical history and dental concerns. Appointments may be coordinated with various specialists such as oral surgeons, periodontists and endodontists when necessary.

If your child or other family member requires dental treatment, there are several options for treatment:

Our pediatric dentists and general dentists will recommend a technique based on the amount of dental treatment your child or other family member requires and their ability to cooperate for dental treatment. They will then discuss the benefits, limits and risks of that technique with you. If you and our dentist choose general anesthesia in our office, Dr. Ralph Epstein, our dentist anesthesiologist, will be included in your consultation.

Care for Medically-Compromised Patients

There are many patients who have medical conditions that prevent them from receiving care in a conventional dental setting. Our dentists will take all patients' medical history into consideration when determining the proper course of treatment. Patients with assorted neurological diagnoses may have uncontrolled movements, which make dental treatment without sedation or general anesthesia impossible. Patients with some cardiac problems are better treated with sedation, which can reduce cardiac stress during treatment. Due to some cardiac problems patients may require intravenous antibiotics. Dr. Epstein can administer these antibiotics for dental treatment in our office. Some patients may only require cardiac monitoring, without sedation during their treatment. Dr. Epstein can also provide this monitoring.

Physically Challenged Patients

Our newly renovated office has two over-sized rooms that permit easy access for patients that use wheelchairs or require additional space to transfer to a dental chair. For patients treated in these rooms we also use a portable X-ray machine called Nomad Pro 2. This permits us to take digital radiographs on patients without transferring the patient to a dental chair. Because the X-rays we use are digital this allows for 90% less radiation exposure than conventional X-rays.

For more information about Special Needs Dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, please complete our online form or call 516.487.8110.

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Meet Our Dentists

Our pediatric dentists, general dentists and anesthesiologists are fully trained and experienced to provide our patients with the highest quality of care.